Trip to Trapani and Erice

When in Sicily, a must-see is the historic town of Trapani. Fortunately, Trapani is very close from Castellammare del Golfo, where our apartments are located – only about 50 km. So, it's worth renting a car (we'll be happy to show you our recommended rental companies) and taking a day trip through picturesque landscapes. The drive takes about 30 minutes, making it a perfect day trip.

Trapani has a unique charm that allows you to immerse yourself in Sicilian life, experiencing its distinctive culture and atmosphere. Here, the days pass much more slowly, giving the impression that many things have been frozen in time. Morning coffee at a local bar, the clatter of traffic coming from the port, the bustle of the Fish Market, and the leisurely chatter of neighbors in the narrow streets – all this creates a unique atmosphere.

Trapani is divided into a historic, tourist area and a new town. Naturally, the historic area houses the city's greatest attractions. Among the most important are:

1. Trapani Harbor: Trapani's historic harbor is home to both large ferries and tourist boats that regularly sail to nearby islands. An evening stroll through the harbor, among the yachts and fishing boats, can be truly romantic.
2. Old Town: Near the port lies the atmospheric Old Town. The buildings in this part of town date primarily from the Middle Ages, with some featuring Baroque architecture. The Old Town boasts numerous restaurants serving local specialties, bars, shops, and, of course, souvenir shops.
3. Basilica Santuario di Maria Santissima Annunziata: This is undoubtedly the city's most important monument. The church is located in the eastern part of Trapani on Via Conte Agostiono Pepoli. Construction of the basilica began in 1315 and lasted for several years. Next to the church is the Museo Pepoli, which houses archaeological finds, Sicilian paintings, ceramics, and jewelry.
4. The city walls: A particularly picturesque part of Trapani. From the promenade, you can see the new town, the mountain of Erice (which we'll return to shortly!), and the coast beyond. Strolling through this area, you'll reach a pedestrian zone that leads to the Torre de Ligny tower – this is where Trapani, and indeed all of Italy, ends!
5. Fish Market: Every day, from the early morning hours, fishermen display their catch, and locals do their daily shopping there. The Fish Market is not only a place to shop, but also a lively social spot!

Finally, one more great attraction. While in Trapani, be sure to visit the stone town of Erice, located less than 15 km away. Erice was once the capital of the entire region and the wealthiest city in the area. Although it now has only 200 permanent residents, its atmosphere remains unique.

It's worth remembering, however, that the weather here can be a bit fickle. While thermometers in Trapani are melting from the heat, Erice, located higher up, is often shrouded in a mysterious fog, sometimes turning into rain. But don't let the weather deter you. Erice is an absolute MUST HAVE on the list of Sicily's tourist attractions. It's hard to find another place like it in the world. The town simply looks like something out of a fairy tale – everything is made of stone, the streets are narrow, the squares are picturesque, and the castles seem to have been plucked from medieval fairy tales and legends. What's more, there's an incredible view from here – Trapani on one side, and the island's northern coast and Monte Cofano on the other.

In Erice itself, you'll find numerous shops selling regional products, charming cafes, and interesting restaurants. Moreover, the road to Erice itself can be a great attraction. We recommend taking the ski lift, which departs from Trapani and takes you right to the city gates. The ride from Trapani (from the station located at an altitude of approximately 40 meters above sea level) to the station in Erice (located at an altitude of 703 meters above sea level) takes about 10 minutes. During this short journey, you can admire breathtaking views.

breathtaking views of Trapani, the Egadi Islands, and the entire coast. A single ticket costs €6, and a return ticket €9.50.

We wish you a successful tour!